Flying machine



New 24,1931.

C. W. WALLER FLYING MACHINE Filed J uly '7, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ,18213% W 86 f 3. H 1- 33 31 .418 g. 5 m 0 9 :19 C i1? 1% m 5 1 ii 1g M INVEN TOR. .5 5 t w NOV. 24, 1931. c w WALLER I 1,833,142

FLYING MACHINE Filed July 7. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IX V15 1V TOR Nov.24, 11931.. c, WALLER 1,833,142

FLYING MACHINE Filed July 7. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 c fia 107 121 y W 10j10\" I INVENTOR.

- Patented Nov. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES CHARLES W. 'wAIvLER, OF CHICAGO,ILLINOIS FLYING MACHINE Application filed July 7, 1928.

My invention relates to improvements in flying machines of the typeadapted to rise and descend vertically and more particularly to suchmachines of the type adapted to be raised, sustained and propelledthrough the air by one and the same element or elements and has for itsprimary object to provide and improve the construction, arrangement andrelative disposition of the respective lifting,

sustainin and propelling element or elements an load, by which saidelement or elements are disposed at the upper-most portion or end ofsaid machine, the weight of its frame or body, including the powerplant, operator, passengers and freight, if any, be ing disposed at thelower-most portion or end of the machine, the said lifting, sustainingand propelling element or elements being further disposed above saidframe or body, etc., and both said element or elements and frame orbody, etc. being further disposed in the vertical line of the center ofgravity or vertical axis of the machine while in flight, thus acting asa gravity balancing means, possessing inherently, and therebymaintaining, both longitudinal and lateral stability, tending constantlyto keep the machine in a state of poise regardless of winds, etc., andthus makmg it eas to handle in the air by any one win is not a s illedpilot and who is, at all times free from the act of balancing themachine and which machine thus not being susceptibl to the prevention offlying on account of cer tain weather conditions, and also avoiding thecasualties attributable to the machine los ing its balance, etc., aswell as to simplify the iczlonltlrolling of the longitudinal directionof another object is to provide a machine of this character which willmore efficiently utilize and take advantage of natural laws governingand controlling the lifting, sustaining and propelling capacities ofaerial craft, and in which the lifting element or elements are given asfar as possible a form constructed and adapted to present a moreeffective sustaining surface on their underside as well as being adaptedto more effectively lessen and maintain the least possible airresistanceor pressure on their upper side and to give max- Serial No. 290,929.

imum support on their under side in proportion to their weight and size,whereby a greater load sustaining area, and a higher degree of flying issecured.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine which will besafe in case of accident in the air and the lifting, sustaining' andpropelling element or elements so constructed that it will act as aparachute by interposing suflicient air resistance to secure a rapidparachutic action and reduce the falling speed While maintaining themachine upright, and further, to provide a machine capable of havin oneor more large common parachutes store away therein, normally out of theway, and in case of accident in the air, adapted to be instantly ejectedinto the free a1r to support the entire machine, thereby making itunnecessary for the operator and passengers, if any, to make a dangerousparachute jump and thereby insuring a safe and easy descent.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine having a newform of combined shock absorbers and landing devices.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine having as faras possible a form of lifting element or elements constructed to form ahollow chamber filled with air or some gas lighter than air to givemaximum air displacement and support in proportion to its weight,thereby obtaining both itrength and lightness combined.

A still further object of the invention is to grovide a flying machinewhich will not take u much ground area, relative to its weightli ting caacity.

A still urther object is to provide a flying machine capable of risingand descending either vertically or diagonally, thus being adapted torise from and land on a small area of ground or the flat roof of a smallbuilding, if desired or necessary, and eliminating the necessity ofgoing to and from flying fields or air ports in order to take to the airand land when making an aerial fli ht.

Vith the foregoing and other objects in view, which I attain and whichwill appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in thenovel construction, arrangement and combination of parts, hereinafterdescribed, illustrated in some of its embodiments in the accompanyingdrawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it beingunderstood that changes in the precise embodiments of the inventionherein disclosed can be made within the scope of what is claimed withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, thepreferred form of the invention has been shown, in which Figure 1 isavertical section of the entire machine, on line 11 of Fig. 8, andlooking in the direction of the arrow;

Figs. 2 to 4, vertical sections of modified forms of reciprocatingpropellers;

Fig. 5, a top plan view of the steering mechanism;

Fig. 6, a side vertical sectional view thru its longitudinal centerline, of an electrically powered modified form of the inventionemploying only one reciprocating propeller, the lateral brace bars onone side not shown;

Fig. 7, a similar view of a similar electrically powered modified formof the invention employing a plurality of lifting and propellingdevices, the lateral brace bars on one side not shown;

Fig. 8, a front elevation of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9, a side elevation, partly in sectlon thru its longitudinal centerline, f a modified form of reciprocating prope ler which resembles anairplane wing section and operating mechanism therefor, the lateralbrace bars on one side not shown;

Fig. 10, a side elevation, partly in section near its longitudinalcenter line, of a modified form of the invention employing a pluralityof reciprocating propellers, and means for shifting a load or weightbackward or forward in order to change its center of gravity or forwardtilt of the machine as a whole for upward and forward flying, thelateral brace bars on one side not shown;

Fig. 11, a side vertical section of a modified form of motive poweremploying independent plural motors adapted to independently operate atwill, the reciprocating propellers shown in Fig. 10, either one alone,or both independently and simultaneously;

Fig. 12, a side elevation of means for reducing the relative speed ofthe reciprocating propeller or propellers;

Fig. 13, a vertical section of the entire machine, on line 1313 of Fig.14, looking in the direction of the arrow, of another modification ofthe form of the invention shown in Fig. 1, and in this instanceemploying another modified form of reciprocating propeller, and showinga protective guard for said device;

Fig. 14, a top plan view of Fig. 13, with the protective guard and someof the parts of the steering mechanism removed;

Fig. 15, a side vertical section, substantially at its longitudinalcenter line, of still another modification of the form of the inventionshown in Fig. 1 and which, in this instance, employs two other modifiedforms of reciprocating propellers, the lateral brace bars on one sidenot shown;

Fig. 16, a top plan view of a still further modified form of theinvention in which a plurality or series of the reciprocating propellersare employed; and

Fig. 17, a vertical section of a modified form of one of thereciprocating propellers, shown in Fig. 15.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views ofthe drawmgs.

Referring to the drawings, the improved machine comprises a suitableframe or frame structure 1, made up and suitably braced in the presentinstance, of a plurality of longitudinally extending bars 2, suitablyconnected by means of a plurality of connecting transverse rings orcircular members 3.

The frame may also, if desired, be provided with any suitable covering4, such as, for instance, aluminum or fabric, to form a streamline bodor shell 5, which serves as a car or carrier or the operator, powerplant, steering mechanism, and passengers, if any, or other load, andalso as a main pontoon for supporting the machine in a body of water,and said frame or body being slightly inwardly turned to a suitablepoint or angle at its forward end, thus eifecting a minimum degree ofhead resistance.

Secured to and carried by this frame is the lower portion or end of anupright member 6 of any suitable form thru its horizontal cross section,such as, for instance, L, H, T or U shaped, but in the present instance,it is circular or O shaped in form, which member may be either verticalor forwardly tilted or inclined, and in the present instance, beingslightly forwardly leaning and dis osed in the medial fore and aft lineof the rame at any suitable transverse point, preferably near itstransverse center.

If said member is vertically disposed instead of forwardly inclined, areciprocating propeller 7 is so superposed or disposed at the upperportion or end of said member 6 as to permanently retain its presentforward tilt or angle, thus permitting the wei ht of the operator, motorand other load to e disposed forwardly of and closer to said member 6and thus also disposing the vertical axis of said machine closer to, aswell as forwardly of, said member.

In order to rovide a wide landing and resting base or oundation for themachine to retain its upright position when making a landing and when atrest on the ground, there till is also secured to the frame or body atthe front center thereof and preferably extending forwardly, laterally,and slightly downwardly from said frame front center, front lower'braces8, and similar rear lower braces 9 extend similarly from the rear centerof said frame, and suitableiupwardly and inwardly inclined brace bars 10extend from each free or lateral end of the braces 8 and 9 to the upperor intermediate portion of the upright member 6, the upper end of eachof said brace bars being suitably secured to a horizontal and preferablytransverse bolt or pin 10, such as, for instance, by means of suitablelock nuts 12, and if desired, said upright member, braces and bracebars, may be given, as far as possible, a stream-line form fore and aft,effecting a minimum degree of head resistance.

At the upper portion or end of the uprightmember 6 is superposed andslidably mounted a reciprocating propeller 7, which device may be formedof any suitable material, such, as, for instance, solid or sheet metalor solid, sheet or plastic wood, presenting a concaved underside, or soformed as to utilize its entire underside or lifting surface for liftingand sustaining the machine in the air, thereby getting the most ossibleamount of lifting and sustaining e ciency therefrom, such as,for-instance, having any suitable concaveconvex shape or form, butpreferably being substantially funnel shaped or having its wall disposedat substantially a 45 degree angle, the upper or convex side extendingforwardly or longitudinally in the direction of flight, asillustrated byFigs. 1, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14 and 15 of the drawings.

However, I do not wish to limit myself to any specific form ofconcavo-convex reciprocating propeller, and may, if desired, employ oneor more of such propellers of the same or different forms orconstruction interchangeably, such as, for instance, any one or more ofthose shown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, Figs. 6 and 7, 9 and 10, 13, 15and 17, or otherwise, so long as the form or shape of their main wall orside is concavo-convex.

If desired, both the convexand concave surfaces 14 and 145 and 14 and146, respectively, of the device 7 (see Figs. 1 and 10) may be formed ordisposed at an angle greater or lesser than 45 degrees, such as, forinstance, the convex surface disposed at approximately 20 or 60 degrees,or the convex surface formed at a greater angle than 45 degrees whilethe concave surface may be forme to be disposed at a lesser angle than45 degrees, such as, for instance, a proximately 10 or 20 degrees, andprovide with a hollow interior 13 for containing either air or a gaslighter than air.

The concavo-convex form of the propeller or propellers 7 would alsofunction as one or more'parachutes, as the case may be, in case of anytrouble in the air and a fall of the machine to the ground takes place.

In the present instance in order to more efficiently create a highpartial vacuum above, the propeller 7, the lower-edge or portion of theouter surface of the wall 14 is disposed inwardly, the said wall beingthinnest at its lowest point 15 and thickest at its highest point 16,thus giving it great strength to withstand the rapid or high speedreciprocal motion in the operation of the machine, but may, if desired,be thinnest at its highest point and thickest at its lowest point, theupper end of said propeller being connected to a substantially verticalslidable member 16*, which may be of any suitable form and mountedslidably to the upright member 6 in any suitable manner, but in thepresent instance it is fitted over or embraces said member 6,. and inorder to prevent saidslidable member from turning on its substantiallyvertical axis, substantially vertical lateral slots or openings 18 areprovided thru the sides of said member 16 thru which slots the bolt 10passes and past which bolt the member 16* rapidly reciprocatessubstantially vertically in operation.

The lower end of said member 16 is provided with a short horizontalprojection 19 which connects preferably movably with the upper end orbearing 20 of a substantially vertical driving rod 21, and secured bysuitable lock nuts 22, a'siinilar lower end or bearing 23 of said rod 21movably connecting with a crank or eccentric 24 which is. driven oractuated in. the present instance by any suitable form of conventionaltype of power, such as, for instance, a motor or engine 25, but may bealso, if desired, adapted to be operated by manual power, such as by thearms or legs of a person, and inasmuch as the specific power plant initself forms no part of the present invention, it is not shown in detailand I may, if desired, even employ electric motive power of any suitableconventional form, such as, for instance, an electric solenoid 26, asshown in Fig. 6 and which will hereinafter be more fully described, theupper portion of said frame 1 being pro vided with an opening 21 thruwhich the driving rod 21 reciprocates substantially vertically.

If desired to operate or reciprocate the propeller or propellers 7 atthe same speed as the motor, said propeller or propellers may beconnected direct to said crank or eccentric,

or the speed of said crank and said propeller be operated rapidly byshort strokes by any suitable manner of connecting said motor to saidcrank, the free end of shaft of said crank supported in a bearing 153secured to the top of said motor, shown in Fig. 12.

The propeller or propellers 7 are preferably disposed at the highestpossible point of the machine, that is, at the uppermost portion or endof the upright member 6, said member extending upwardly from the frameor body and tilted forward at any desired degree, sllch as, forinstance, at approximately or 80 degrees, said forward tilting of saidmember 6 and propeller or propellers 7 being permanently fixed, as shownin Figs. 1, 8, 13, 1 1 and 15, but being caused by the weight of theuseful load (comprising the operator, motor, and passengers, if any,etc.) being carried atsubstantially the lowest portion of said machineand directly beneath the center of lift of said propeller or propellers7, which center of lift of said propeller or propellers and the centerof weight or gravity of said frame 1 constituting or comprising thesubstantial vertical axis of said machine, as shown by the broken line95) of Figs. 6, 7 and 10.

In the present instance, the free end portion or crank shaft 30 of thecrank 24 passes thru the lower portion of the member 6, which lowerportion functions as a bearing or mounting for said free end portion ofsald crank, and while I have shown only one crank and driving rod 21,the end portion or crank shaft 30 may be extended to connect with asecond crank and driving rod, disposed on the opposite side of saidmember 6, not shOWn, but similar to said first mentioned crank anddriving rod.

As a means of protecting the machine when it descends to the ground,suitable landing and resting devices 31 are provided, which devices maybe either in the form of wheels similar to the wheels 107 and 107 inFig. 10, or 140, 142, and 144 in Fig. 13, or as in the present instance,in the form of suitable cushion or shock-absorber members and beingpreferably air inflated flexible balls disposed beneath the connectingpoints of the lower braces 8 and 9, and the brace bars 10 and beneaththe approximate longitudinal and transverse center of the machine orbeneath the lower end of the upright member (3, horizontal plates 32 oflight material being disposed between said braces and brace bars, andlandin and resting devices, sald cushion or shoc c-absorber memberswhile resting on the ground, assuming a flattened out or horizontallydisposed form or osition, the form shown by the dotted line circle 33 inFig. 8 being its normal shape while the machine is in the air or off theground, while the horizontally disposed form shown in Figs. 1 and 8being the shape assumed when compressed between said plates 32 and thefge'eaiaa ground by the weight of the machine resting upon them, the sadplates assisting to flatten them out and making non-revolving frictionalcontact with the ground.

In order to reduce friction to a minimum between the slidable member 16and the upright member 6, when said slidable member is given a rapidlyreciprocating motion, suitable ball or roller bearings 34 are spaced atsuitable distances and move in races or raceways desi ated by the dottedlines 35.

Since t e propeller or propellers 7 are sealed as against the verticalpassage of any air thru the same from the underside or concave surfaceto the upper or convex surface, and vice-versa, in the practicaloperation of the present invention, the machine is lifted and propelledforwardly by successive and rapidly repeated impulses, by said propelleror propellers being rapidly reciprocated substantially vertically by theoperation of the crank or eccentric 24 by any conventional form ofpower, such as, for instance, by the hands or feet of a person, or, inthe present instance, by the motor or engine 25 actuating said crank,vertical driving rod 21 and slidable member 16, it is believed that avacuum is formed or produced, such as, for instance,

a partial vacuum, in the space approximately between the upper or convexsurface of said propeller or propellers 7 and the broken and dottedlines 36 just above said upper or convex surface, and owing to the saidconcave form or shape of the underside of said propeller or propellers,the air is caused to be concentrated or compressed within said concavedspace or underside of said pro eller simultaneously with the forming ofsai vacuum and repeated at each and every downward stroke of saidpropeller or ropellers, the said propeller or propellers 7 eing thusconstantly lifted or raised upwardly into said vacuum space by each ofsaid speedy and successive upward and downward movements of saidpropeller or propellers 7 by said concentrated air or pressure on theunder or concave surface and the formation of the vacuum above theconvex side of said propeller or propellers, thus overcomin the force ofgravity and dragging or pul mg the lower portion or frame of the machinebelow it thru the air and utilizing the said upward and downward forcesto always maintain the machine in its upright position in the air.

Thus it will be seen that at the same time that the vacuum forms abovethe upper or convex surface of the propeller or propellers 7 to removethe air pressure from above the same, which air pressure would otherwisebear downwardly against said upper or convex surface to retard itsrising, the compression of the air taking place within the concave orunder side of said propeller, and being prevented from escapingtherefrom by the concave underside of said propeller or ple of the wingof a common airplane being sustained in the air, except that saidpropeller or propellers 7 are reciprocated vertically thru the air, andthe propeller or propellers 7 ofvthe present invention being tiltedforwardly more or less also serving to function as the forwardpropelling force instead of a common airplane propeller, as will be mostclearly seen, Fig. 13 showing the propeller 7 as having moved upward inits reciprocating motion and ready to again move downward to create thesaid vacuum space, it being believed that the propeller 7, in proportionto surface area, has a greater lifting power than the common airplanewing, for the reason that the form or shape of the underside of thepropeller 7 compresses and retains the air in a compressed state to amuch greater degree, because this compressed air is held in a compressedstate in its downward movement, instead of being permitted to flow onand escape, as is the case when a common airplane wing movesforwardlyjand horizontally thru the air.

As previously stated, while it is intended that the wall of thepropeller 7 be permanently closed against the passage of air therethruvertically, in order to cause a vacuum to form above it and acompression of air to form below it. the propeller 7 may. if desired, beprovided with a relatively small opening 37, disposed preferably thruthe upper rear portion of the Wall of said propeller, which openingwould function to permit the escape of a relatively small amount of airand thereby assist in drawing air into the concave or underside of saidpropeller from below, similar to the efi'ect of a small opening in thetop of common parachutes, but I wish to have it understood, that thisopening. may also, if desired. be entirely eliminated. it beingunderstood that,'if desired. the said propeller 7, being so adapted, maybe employed on any other suitable type of flying machine giving avertical rotary motion on a horizontal shaft, instead of a verticalreciprocating motion.

The difierent degrees of speedof the motor is controlled and regulatedto determine the varied speeds of flight forwardly, upwardly, and. or,descend. in the present instance of this invention. by any conventionalcontrolling or regulating means, not shown. and as a means forcontrolling the horizontal direction of flight, a vertical rudder 38 isdisposed at one end of the machine, preferably at the rear, by means ofthe lower end of a vertical pole or stem member 39 being revolublymounted to the frame 1 and the upper end of said pole member beingsimilarly mounted-to the free or rear end of a longitudinally extendingrod or bar 40, the forward or other end of said rod being suitablysecured to the upright member 6, the free ends of a horizontaltransverse rod or bar 41 connected to controlling cables or wires 42 and43 and connected to a transverse steering foot lever 44 mounted in closeproximity to the operators seat 45.

In the present instance, as a means to economize in space, apart of thelower portion of the interior of the upright member 6 may be utilized asa=liquid fuel storage tank or compartment 46, the fuel 47 having anoutlet by means of a suitable outlet or supply pipe 48 connected to themotor or engine 25, the lower part of the said lower portion of themember 6 being utilized as a similar liquid oil storage tank orcompartment 49 for the lubricating oil' 50, which at all times keeps thefree end portion or shaft 30 of the crank 24 properly lubricated, saidfuel and oil tanks being provided with inlets 51 and 52 respec' tively,for replenishing the supply.

In order to further prevent any possibility of the propeller 7 slippingoif the member 6 entirely in case the same should for any reason breakaway from the driving rod 21 or the latter should break away from thecrank or the latter break away from its inotor and bearing, the extremeupper end of the member 6 is provided with any form of suitableprojection. such as, for instance, being flared outwardly or outwardlyand downwardly to form a projection or flange, against which, in case ofsuch an accident, the top end or apex 54 wbuld' abut and cause saidpropeller 7 toact or function asaparachute in the descent or fall of themachine to the ground. I

As a further safeguard in case of an accident in the air, the upperportion of the interior of the member 6 may be utilized as a convenientstorage space to inclose or houseone or more large common parachutes 55disposed above theconventional cables or ropes 56 which arepreferably-coiled and firmly secured to an upper eyelet 57 on themovable plug or plunger 58, a secondor lower cable or rope 59 beingcoiled below and firmly secured to a similar'lower eyelet 60, the freeend 61 of said lower cable or rope passing around and firmly secured tothe bolt or pin 10, the interior portion below said bolt beinghermetically closed by an upper partition or plate 62 and a similarlower partition 63. forming a compressed-air-compartment or tank 64. orif desired. may be in the form of a separate tank, an outlet valve orcook 56 being disposed preferably above said upper plate or partition 62or tank 64 and adapted to communicate with the interior of saidcompartment or tank.

If desired, the compressed-air tank may be of such large size that itwill fill up the entire lower or almost the entire lower portion of theinterior of the member 6, or said tank may be located within the body 1instead of within the member 6, and a pipe, not shown may lead thecompressed air to the space 72 above the partition 62 within said member6.

Or if desired, the entire interior of the member 6 may be utilized forstoring or containing a very large parachute or one or more smallerparachutes and the means for ejecting them from the interior of saidmember 6.

In case of accident in the air, the said valve 56 being adapted to beoperated or opened at the will of the operator by any suitable means,such as, for instance, by said operator pulling on the free end or ring66 of the cable or rope 67 in close proximity to the operators seat 45,said cable or rope passing over a lower guide pulley or member 68 on theframe 1 and an upper guidepulley or member 69 on one of the brace bars10, the free end thereof being secured to the end of a lever 70, theother end of said lever being secured to a transverse lever arm or bar71 passing thru the substantially vertical slot 18 and secured to andconnecting with the outlet valve or cook 56*, which opens said valve topermit the compressed air (stored in the compartment 64) to rush out andfill the space 72 and thus instantly forcing said plug or plunger 58upwardly and out of the mouth of the member 6 and pushing or forcing theparachute or parachutes 55 and cables or ropes 56 out into the free air,the rush of the compressed air upwardly from the mouth or interior ofsaid member 6 assisting to fill the undersides of the parachutes 55 toassist in quickly opening them out for action against the lower airwhile falling to the ground, the machine being suspended to the cable orrope 59 by means of the bolt or pin 10", and in addition to theparachutes 55 the parachutic form or shape of the device or devices 7also acting to assist said parachutes in breaking the fall to theground, the said propeller 7 in the present instance, if desired, being,thru its center section, shaped similar to an airplane wing, as shown bythe dotted line 73, or similar to the propeller 7 shown in Fig. 9.

The numerals 74 and 75 indicate windows and a door, respectively.

Referring to the modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 6, thepropeller 7 is secured to an upright member 76 which is supported in itsupright position by means of the upper ends of the brace bars 10 being,in this case, each secured to a collar 77 thru which said member 76vertically reciprocates, the portion of said member 76 below said collar77 having movably fastened thereto, one above the other, substantiallyhorizontal arms 78 and 79 and movably secured at 80 and 81,respectively, the movable central portion ofeach arm provided with ahorizontal elon ated opening 82 and 83, respectivel whic ermits easymovement of the sai member 76 and arms 78 and 79, when they arevertically reciprocated by an electric solenoid 26, when an electriccurrent of any source is passed thru said solenoid, such as, forinstance, from one or more electric batteries or storage cells 84, andits polarity rapidly and alternately changed automatically by the polechanger formed by one end of the arm 78 being connected to the positiveelectric wire-85 and one end of the arm 79 being connected to thenegative electric wire 86, and when the other, or either positive and netive ends of said arms are alternatel rapidly reciprocated verticallyover the eiectrlc contacts 87, 88 and 89, when the electric switch 90 isclosed, thus causing the positive electric current to flow, first intothe wire 91 and thru the solenoid in one direction and then caused toflow into the wire 92 and thru the said solenoid in the oppositedirection, to cause the upright member 76 to vertically reciprocaterapid the portion 93 of the member 76 being of magnetic material, suchas, for instance, iron, and the remaining portion above and below saidortion 93 being of any suitable light-weight non-magnetic material, suchas, for instance, an aluminum rod or brass tubing, it being understoodthat I ma if desired, substitute an electric rheostat instead of theelectric switch 90, as shown by 94 in Fig. 7, the extreme lower end ofsaid member 76 being provided with a horizontal projection 95, toprevent the said member 76 from sliding out of the machine entirely, thepropeller 7 in the present instance, being, if desired, en tirely closednear its lower portion or mouth by a horizontal partition 96, theinterior of said hollow device being adapted to contain air or anysuitable gas lighter than air.

The principle of operation of the modification of the invention shown inFig. 7 is the same as or similar to that shown in Fig. 6, except that inthis instance, plural ropellers, such as, for instance, two prope lers 7are reciprocated simultaneously, preferably in opposite directions, andin this case the slidable member 16 is extended downwardly longer thanshown in Figs. 1, 10, 13 and 15, the extreme lower portion or end beingrovided with a magnetic or iron ortion 9 which is vertically reciprocateby means of an upper electric solenoid 98 in the same manner as themodified form shown in Fig. 6, except that the electric current flowsfirst into the upper solenoid to first move the member 16 upwardly whilethe same electric current flows out of the said upper solenoid and intothe lower solenoid 26, moving the member'7 6 downwardly, simultaneously,the electric current and speed of the reciprocating motion of themembers 16 and 76, and thereby the upper and lower propellers llOU 7being regulated and controlled by ,means of an electric rheostat 94.However, I wish it understood that, if desired, I may substitute theelectric switch 90 in Fig. 6 instead of said rheostat 94, or vice-versa,the lower end of'the propeller 7 in this instance, being provided with avertical rim 99 extending downwardly from the horizontal partition 96.

Referring to the .modification shown in Fig. 9, the center longitudinalsection of the propeller 7 is formed substantially similar to a sectionof a common airplane wing and is, in this case, fastened to the extremeupper end or portion of the driving rod 21, which rod moves orreciprocates the propeller 7 in a vertical and longitudinal oscillatingmotion or orbit, or back and forth rocking motion, as will noted by thedifferent positions indicated by the dotted lines .in Fig. 9, itsvertical motion fore and aft being indicated by the arrows 101 and 102,respectively, it being seen in the present instance, that the drivingrod 21 and crank 24 are disposed at right angels to the relative foreand aft position of the propeller 7,

- whereby the motion of the crank 24 as indi- --cated by the arrows 103tend to slightly draw the front end of the propeller 7 downwardly andbackwardly to propel it forward and in the next instant to change theangle of incidence of the rear portion downwardly to expose more of theunderside or supporting area or surface to the flow of air currents toderive a lifting efi'ect therefrom and thus be sustained in the airwhile also being propelled forward at the next instant or movementrepeatedly, as long as it is kept in motion by the longitudinal rotationof the crank 24 to reciprocate and oscillate the propeller 7, but inthis case the slidable member 16 is entirely eliminated.

The fore and aft edges of the propeller 7 are braced and kept in properposition laterally and supported fore and aft by diagonal brace rods104, the brace bars 10 and the double guide wheels, pulleys or pulleywheels 105 being secured together by means of a plate 106 disposed oneach side of said guide wheels and each pair of brace bars 10, the crank24 passing or disposed thru the extreme lower ends of the rods 104, asshown, the driving rod 21 reciprocating vertically thru and held inproper position by, theguide wheels 105.

Referring to the modified form of the in vention shown in Fig. 10, 107is a low hanging frame, preferably made up, in the present instance, ofupper and lower longitudinal angle members 108 and upper and lower foreand aft transverse angle or tube mem bers 109, held together by means ofvertical corner angle members 110 and oblique or lattice pieces 111,forming in efiect, an open compartment, extending preferablylongitudinally and adapted to carry a suitable weight 112, which, in thepresent instance, is a truck or carriage which is provided with wheelsor rollers 113 adapted to travel back and forth on the horizontally andinwardly disposed angle or flange of each lower lateral angle member 108which function as guideways on which the truck is movable preferably ina fore and aft direction so that the said weight of said truck orcarriage and its contents or load may be arranged at the will of theoperator to compensate for variations' between centers of weight orgravity and upward pull of the reciprocating propeller or propellers 7under different conditions of service to maintain such centers incoincidence and speeds upward and forward, or both, and tolongitudinally trim the craft.

The lifting and propelling devices in the modified form shown in Fig. 10reciprocate vertically, either both in the same direction at the sametime, or preferably in opposite directions at the same time, thus in thelatter case, one of said propellers 7 moving downward and sustaining themachine in the air while the other propeller is on its way upward to getinto position for its next downward movement.

In order to enable the weight 112 to be adjusted in a fore and aftdirection, as previously mentioned, an operating lever or arm 114 issupported by a support 115, said lever being arranged in proximity tothe operators seat 45, a vertical brace 116 being provided for thesupport 115, a cable or belt 117 passing around or over a drum 118 anddownwardly and around a left-hand guide pulley 119 and over a rear guidepulley 120 and forwardly to an eye 121 at the rear end of said weight,the other end portion of said cable passing downwardly from said drumand around a right-hand guide pulley 122 and over upper and lower frontguide pulleys 123 and 124, and the free end connecting with an eye 125atthe front end of said weight, so that by turning the hand-wheel 126 tothe right or left the weight or truck and its load .weight may beshifted forwardly or rearwardly, thus changing the tilt of the uprightmember 6 and the propeller or propellers 7, as the case may be, todetermine the forward speed of the craft, it being understood that ifdesired, a suitable sprocket chain passing over suitable sprocket wheelsmay be substituted for said cable 117, drum 118, and. pulleys, 119, 120,122, 123 and 124.

The frame 107 may, if desired, be four cornered, in which case the lowerends of each of the brace bars 10 connect with each of said corners,respectively, or, if desired. the frame 107 may be narrower in designand the lower the braces Sand 9, shown in'Figs. 1 and 8. In either case,said frame is provided with front wheels 107 and rear swivel wheels107*, but may, if desired, be provided with the shock-absorber orcushion members 31 instead of said wheels.

In the present instance, the horizontal steering is controlled by thehandwheel 126 and operating lever 114 and has attached to the latter,above and below its pivotal point, cables 42 and 43 which are guided bypulleys 127, the steering being affected by the forwardly and rearwardlyshifting of said handwheel.

In the present instance, the pole or'stem member 39, instead of beingvertical, as shown in Fig. 1, is tilted slightly rearwardly and the rodor bar is tilted downwardly at its front end and joins a vertical cranksupport 128 and an outwardly and rearwardly extending brace member 129,the upper ends of said stem member 39 and rod 40 being secured tolaterally, downwardly and rearwardly extending brace members 130, thelower. ends of which connect with the top of the frame 107, or lower endof the brace rods 10 and rear braces 9, as the case may be.

In the present instance, more than two or only one propeller 7 may, ifdesired, be employed, but in this modification I have shown superposedtwo propellers 7, a second vertical slidable member 131 being disposednext to and adapted to vertically slide or reciprocate over the uprightmember 6, and the member 16 disposed upon said member 131, which lattermember is actuated or reciprocated by a second driving rod 132, theupper end or bearing 133 connecting with a horizontal projection 134preferably secured by lock nuts 135, the lower end or bearing 136connecting with a second crank or eccentric 137, the free end of whichconnects with or mounted in a bearing in the vertical crank support 128,the forward end 138 of the crank shaft being, if desired, extended tothe forward end of the machine to form an auxiliary shaft adapted to beconnected with any conventional form of an auxiliary or airplanepropeller, not shown.

In the operation of the machine in the present instance, the propellers7 are superposed or disposed one above the other in such a manner as tobe reciprocated in opposite di rections simultaneously, and while anyform of ccncavo-cbnvex propellers 7 may be employed, I have shown, inthe present instance, an upper propeller 7 provided with an upper and alower concavo-convex formed members 139 and 140, respectively, separatedany suit able distance apart by means of a vertical wall or cylinder141, and a plurality of downwardly extending ring members 142, formingouter inverted channel members or rings, said members or rings beingsuitably s aced apart, the whole device being braced by diagonal crossmembers 143 within said device and one of said cross members extendingoutwardly and downwardly to brace said ring members 142, the said crossmembers also being secured to the said vertical wall or cylinder andsecond vertical slidable member 131, and the un derside of the lowermember 140 being braced by a frame or diagonal members 144 which extendfrom the said slidable member 131.

If desired, the wall 141 may be disposed at any suitable angle insteadof vertical, as shown, and the upper member 139 and upper downwardlyextending ring member 142 may each be of a larger diameter than thelower member 140 and lower downwardly extending ring member 142, thecentral hollow portion being larger at the top than at the bottomthereof.

In the present instance, the lower propeller 7 may also be provided withan upper and a lower concavo-convex member 145 and 146, respectively,the same being braced by means of common brace members 147 disposedbetween said members 145 and 146, to strengthen the same-and to presentouter surfaces of different angles, it being understood, that ifdesired, the interior of said propellers 7 may contain air or anysuitable gas lighter than air, it being also understood that the angleof any one of the upper and lower members 139 and 140, may also bechanged, if desired, so as to present outer surfaces of differentangles.

If desired to operate or reciprocate the plural propellers 7independently of one another or to employ plural or independent motorsor engines 148 and 149, which may, if desired, be of a differentconventional type than the motor 25, such as, for instance, uprightmotors, the free end portion or shaft 30 of the crank 24, extends clearthru and outwardly from the member 6 and enters a bearing 150 in thefree end 151 of the crank 137, each of the motors being supported by thevertical supports 128 and 152, respectively.

Referring to the modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 13 and14, it will be noted that the base or lower end of the member 6 andmotor 25 are disposed at the rear end of the machine, while theoperators seat is disposed at the transverse center of the machine,lateral brace bars 154 extending downwardly from the bolt or pin 10 andconnects to the lateral end of a horizontal transverse member 155, eachend of said transverse member supporting a side wheel 140 as shown, afront brace bar 157 likewise extending downwardly but forwardly to thefront end of the frame 1 and to a front swivel wheel 142, the upper endof said bar 157 being provided with a fork member 159, each prong ofsaid fork being secured to opposite lateral ends of the bolt 10*, therear end of said frame also being provided with a swivel wheel 144, onlyone of said wheels 142 and 144 being adapted to touch the ground at thesame time, it being understood that, if desired, the shock absorbers 31may be substituted for said wheels.

As will be noted, the propeller 7 in the present instance, is made up ofplural concave-convex forms 161, each succeeding lower form beingsmaller than the one immediately above it, as shown, said forms beinsecured together and braced by suitable iagonal brace members162.

its a means of protecting the propeller 7 against damage if it should byaccident come in contact with some other machine or foreign obj ectwhile in motion or otherwise, a guard 168 is disposed immediately abovesaid device, said guard comprising fore and aft downwardly extendingmembers 164 an'd165, respectively, the lower end of the former memberconnecting with the lower end of the front brace bar 157 and the lowerend of the member 165 connecting with the upper end of a rear diagonalguard brace 166, the lower end of which is secured to a collar 167secured to the member 6, as shown.

"lhe said members 164 and 165 are connected and support a plurality ofcircular or ring members 168 of difl'erent sizes or diameters, asillustrated.

If desired, the vertical rudder 38 may be entirely eliminated and asimilar rudder 169 may be disposed forward of the machines vertical axisor center of gravity, in which case, said rudder 169 is fastened to adiagonal steering rod 17 0, held to the front brace bar 157 by means ofupper and lower collar bandsv or holders 171, the lower end of saidsteering rod being secured to a front transverse steering rod 17 2.

However, if desired to make the machine steer more easily or quickly tothe right or left, both the fore and aft ends of the machine may beprovided with a vertical rudder 38 and 169 to act in conjunction witheach other, illustrated in Figs. 5, 13 and 15, or if it is desired toeliminate the rear vertical rudder 38 entirely, which moves on either avertical axis, as shown in Fig. 1, or a slightly diagonal orsubstantially horizontal axis, as shown by Fig. 13, a second verticalrudder 173 may also be substituted therefor, which is secured to aslightly diagonal or a substantially horizontal and longitudinallyextending pole or stem member 174, which.

swings or moves on a substantially longitudinal axis, the forward end ofsaid membar 174 being movably secured to the upright member 6 by meansof a transverse bracket member 175 secured to or passing around saidmember 6 and held by frictional contactby means of a bolt 176 passingthru a collar or bushing 177, a transverse rod or "bar 178 being securedto the member 174, to

the lateral ends of which are attached right and left-hand cables orwires 179 and 180, which pass downwardly over suitable guide pulleys orelements 181 and 182 and 183 and 184, respectively, the right-hand cable179 passing across to and connected to theleft end of the foot lever 44,and the left-hand cable 180 crossing the cable 179 and passing across toand connecting with the opposite or right-hand end of said foot lever,as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 13.

A cable or wire 185 extends from the right end of the foot lever 44 tothe left end of the steering rod 172 and a similar cable or Wire 186extending from the left end of said foot lever and crossing the cable185 and connecting with the right end of the steering rod 172, all asshown in Figs. 5 and 13, so that, in practice, when the operator wishesto steer to the right he pushes or movesthe right end of the foot leverforward, which pulls on the cable 186, causing the rudder 169 to swingto the left and exposing the left side thereof to the passing air,forcing it and the front end of the machine to the right, or if both thefore and aft vertically disposed rudders are desired to be employed,which are suitably mounted at the fore and aft ends of the machine,respectively, and at the same time the cables 42 and 180 are pulled,which in turn swing or move the rear rudder 38 to'the right, exposingits right side to the passing horizontal and longitudinal air, or aircurrents, and the rudder 17 3 being swung or moved to the right on itslongitudinal axis, as shown in Figs. 5 and 13, utilizing and causingthewind currents thrown downwardly by the action and speed of *the downwardstrokes of the propeller 7 while the machine is in operation, to impingeon the side of the rudder 173, thus forcing both of said rudders 38 and169 and thereby the rear end of the machine to the left and causing themachine to turn to the right on its vertical axis or center of gravity,or if desired, all three of the rudders 38, 169 and 173 may be used inconjunction simultaneously to more easily and quickly steer the machineto the right or left, as explained above.

While I have shown the preferred forms of the frame or body of thepresent invention, the same may be of any suitable form, such as, forinstance, circular, as shown b the dotted line 187, or four cornered, ass own by the dotted line 188.

- The advantage of the form of body shown by the dotted lines 187 and188 in Fig. 14 bein that it gives more horizontal space for t e usefulload and that numerous passengers can be seated transversely, side byside. in one or more rows, whereby they can be disposed or placed as farback or as far forward as desired to produce the desired or requiredtilt of the member 6 and proin Fig. 15 comprises plural or fore and aftpropellers 7, which are suitably spaced apart and kept in their properpositions, relative to each other, by means of a substantiallylongitudinal connecting member 189, which may or may not be extensionsof one or both of the members 6, as desired, the rear propeller 7 beingdisposed vertically, while the forward propeller 7 is disposed in aforwardly tilted position, so that the rear propeller 7 lifts directlyvertically as a whole and the forward propeller 7 both lifting andpropelling the machine forwardly as a whole, it being noted in Fig. 15of the drawings that the propellers 7 have moved up into a portion ofthe partial vacuum space, and ready to again move downward to againcreate the partial vacuum space.

It will also be noted that the motor 25 in this instance, is disposedbetween said plural members 6, and the crank shaft being provided with auniversal joint 191 connecting with the crank 24 of the forwardpropeller 7 both the fore and aft driving rods 21 being oppositelydisposed.

In the present instance, I show on the vertical member 6 the propeller 7formed by its wall section 192 being shaped similar to the section of anairplane wing and being disposed vertically instead of horizontally, theair reaction or aerodynamical effect thru. the air being similar to thatin the horizontal movement thru the air of the common airplane wing,namely, the formation or creation of a vacuum space, such as a partialvacuum, approximately between the dotted line 193 and the upper orconvex side of said device, similar to the vacuum produced by thepreviously described propellers 7, and upward air pressure, indicated bythe dotted line arrow 194, below its under or concaved side to give liftor to raise or support the machine in the air. However, this-form mayalso be provided with a vertical inner wall 195 forming a hollow portion196, as shown in Figs. 10 and 17, the said inner wall assisting toeliminate air resistance on the lower inner wall 197 when the propellermoves rapidly upward in its reciprocating motion, while the forward orfront propellers 7 are provided with substantially vertical walls orcylinders 198 of difierent heights and diameters forming, in effect, aplurality of inverted circular troughs.

In order to economize in space and to concentrate the weight of themotor and operator more at one point, it will be noted that in thepresent instance, the operators seat 15, as well as the steering wires,rods and foot lever being carried higher, by being disposed above themotor 25.

Referring to the modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 16, inorder to reduce vibration to a minimum, while in operation, the frame orbody 1 is disposed below a plu- Leeaiaa rality or series of horizontallyarranged plural propellers 7, all of which may be reciprocated by one ormore motors, as desired, connected in any conventional manner to operateaccording to the principle of the present invention, either in series orindependently, as desired, the direction of flight being in thedirection indicated by any one of the arrows 199, 200 or 201. asdesired, the general construction and, mode or principle of operation ofeach individual propeller 7, in nnison with one another is preferablythe same or similar to the forms shown and described in thisspecification.

The modified reciprocating propeller shown in Fig. 2 is constructed of apluralii of concavo-convex forms 202, preferably oi a substantially 45degree wall and of li o diameters. superposed one above the otlr andprovided with intcrnwdiate open spar-cs between the same and beingbraced by sHii able diagonal brace rods 203 and horizontal brace rods20%.

The modified form of the propeller 7 shown in Fig. 3 is constructedsubstantial of a semi-circular form 205 and is also braved by similardiagonal brace rods 206 and horizontal face rods 207. or said devicemay. f desired. be extended downwardly beyond 1 center line. in whichcase it may also. ii sired. be provided with a vertical r side wallsimilar to the .Elll in indicated by the dotted line 208 in ii.

The modified form of propeller 7 b Fig. i: is made up of one concave-con209 and a plurality of circular walls tending diagonally andlrW-FU'WHl'lllfr ll the underside of said device. said circular wallsbeing of dili erent diameters and lmiwd by diagonal brace rod. :311 andlioriiioniwl brace rods 212.

I wish to have it understood. that if sired. I am free to cniplor anyshape. '1? "n: or type of concavo-convcx recipr-rmrilig propeller.singly, plurall v. or interchan e ably, or dill'ercnt plural forms atthe same time, within the scope of the allowed claims of the presentapplication.

' The arrow 21?! in Figs. 1, 5. 6, 7. 9. W. 13. 14: and 15 indicates thedirection of iii while the numeral 214 in Figs. 1, 9. 1 15 indicate theapproximate vertical or center of gravity or weight of tho chine.However. I also wish to be free Cr change the tilt or angle of thepropell or propellers 7 downwardly at the forward end to any suitabledegree in the modified forms of the invention shown in Figs. (1. 7. 9.l0 and the forward propeller 7 and member 6 of Fig. 15, thus changingthe \es tical axis and center of gavity or weigh of the forms of theinvention shown in said Figs. 6, 7, 9, 10 and 15 to correspeinl morewith the vertical position of the l'ilti'l'llKl 6 in said figures, suchas, :i'or instance, as indicated' by the dotted line 214 in Fig. 6, in

which case the movable upright member 76 comprises the vertical axis ofsaid machine instead of the broken line 99 in Figs. 6, 7 and 10.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, it will also be noted that the degree of thenormal forward tilt of the machine is shown to be permanently fixed inFigs. 1, 8, 13, 14 and 15, while Fig. shows the degree of the machinesforward tilt to be adapted to be changed or adjusted at will.

It will be further noted that the common airplane propeller and thecommon horizontal rudder are eliminated as being unnecessary in thepresent invention.

I claim:

1. propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outer or convexedsurface disposed inwardly.

2. A propeller provided with a lower inwardly disposed outer or convexedsurface closed against the passage of air therethru.

3. A propeller having its wall closed against the passage of airtherethru, and the lower edge or portion of the outer or convexedsurface of said wall disposed inwardly.

4. A propeller having its wall closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outeror convexed surface dis osed inwardly, and said propeller provid d witha relatively small opening thru its upper portion.

5. A propeller closed against the uppercavo-convex wall, a substantiallyvertical wall within the concaved side of said wall, and said wallsclosed against the passage of air therethru.

8. A propeller having upper and lower non-foldable concavo-convex formedmembers closed against the passage of air therethru, a substantiallyvertical wall between said upper and lower members, the outer side ofsaid wall providedwith one or more inverted channel members, and saidchannel members disposed between said concavo-convex members.

9. In a flying machine, a propeller provided with a lower inwardlydisposed outer or convexed surface closed against the pas sage of airtherethru, and said propeller placed on the center of gravity'of saidma- "chine and actuated by suitable power.

10. In a flying machine, a propeller. closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outeror convexed surface disposed inwardly, and said propeller placed on thecenter of gravity of said machine and actuated by suitable power.

11. In a flying machine, a propeller closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outeror convexed surface disposed inwardly, said propeller movably mounted onan upright member, suitable power for actuating said propeller, and aweight adapted to be moved at will.

12- In a flying machine, a propeller closed against the passage of airtherethru. said propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outeror convexed surface disposed inwardly, said propeller movably mounted onan upright member, suitable power' for actuating said propeller, andsaid machine provided with a plurality of cushion or shockabsorbermembers.

13. In a flying machine, a plurality of propellers closed against thepassage of air therethru, said propeller having the lower edge orportion of its outer or convexed surface disposed inwardly, saidpropellers movably mounted on one or more upright members, suitablepower for actuating said propellers simultaneously, and the center oflift of said propellers placed on the center of gravity of said machine.

14. In a flying machine. a propeller closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower edge or portlon of its outeror convexed surface disposed inwardly, said propeller movably mounted onan upright member, a frame disposed below said propeller, and saidpropeller placed on the center of gravity of said machine and actuatedby suitable power.

15. In a flying machine, a propellenolosed against the passage of airtherethru, sa1d propeller having the lower edge or portion of itsouteror convexed surface disposed inwardly, said propeller movablymounted on an upright member, suitable power for actuating saidpropeller, a frame disposed at the lower end or portion of said member,said frame carrying a weight adapted to be moved at will by a hand-wheelrevolving a drum, a cable passing over or around said drum, and

each end of said cable connected to said power.

propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outer or convexedsurface disposed inwardly, said propeller movably mounted on an uprightmember, said propeller placed on the center of gravity of said machineand actuated by suitable power, and a crankshaft extending from saidpower and adapted to actuate an auxiliary propeller.

18. In a flying machine, a propeller closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outeror convexed surface disposed inwardly, said propeller movably mounted ona hollow upright member, said member containing a liquid storagecompartment, and said propeller placed on the center of gravity of saidmachine and actuated by suitable power.

19. In a flying machine, a propeller closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower edge or portion of its outeror convexed surface disposed inwardly, said propeller movably mounted onan upright member, the upper end of said member provided with aprojection. and said propeller placed on the center of gravity of saidmachine and actuated by suitable power.

20. In a flying machine, a propeller closed against the passage of airtherethru, said propeller having the lower ed e or portion of its outeror convexed sur ace disposed inwardly, said propeller slidably mountedon an upright member, and suitable power for actuating said propeller onsaid member.

CHARLES W. WALLER.

